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New signing Ki Sung-yeung was absent, having been given more time to recover from South Korea’s World Cup campaign. The same applies to Aleksandar Mitrovic, although the Serbian striker is expected to leave Tyneside this summer.

Here are five things we learned about Newcastle’s first training session.

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Keeper competition

Martin Dubravka’s permanent move to Newcastle this summer came after an excellent six-month loan spell which confirmed him as the club’s No 1. However, with players of the calibre of Rob Elliot and Karl Darlow breathing down his neck, United know they have healthy competition. Matz Sels is also back from a loan spell with Anderlecht while Freddie Woodman will be looking for more first-team football this season. All the Magpies’ keepers are back in training, and Benitez will be keeping a close eye on how they perform in pre-season.